(Brampton) - Peel Health's innovative Breathing Space smoke-free homes
campaign, which encourages smokers to "Take It Outside", recently
received two major awards. The campaign was led by Peel Health and implemented
across the GTA in partnership with the Durham, Halton, Hamilton, Toronto
and York Health Departments.

The Toronto Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators
presented an Ovation Award to Peel Health at its Annual Awards Gala dinner
on April 24, 2001. The Ovation Award recognizes outstanding efforts in strategic
communications.

The Radio Marketing Bureau, an organization that promotes effective use
of the radio medium, also recognized the Breathing Space campaign with its
Crystal Award.

The Breathing Space campaign used radio, transit and newspaper advertising,
as well as posters, fact sheets and smoke-free identifiers for windows,
to encourage schools, health professionals and members of the community
to reduce their exposure to second-hand smoke. Second-hand smoke is the
third leading preventable cause of death in Ontario.

The highly successful Breathing Space campaign ran from June to October
2000 and again in February and March 2001. According to an evaluation conducted
by Lang Research Inc., the Breathing Space campaign significantly increased
the likelihood that individuals would ask someone who smoked to not smoke
in their home. It also increased the likelihood that individuals would support
education programs concerning second-hand smoke and agree that second-hand
smoke is a serious health hazard.

For more information on Breathing Space and to receive a smoke-free window
identifier for your home or automobile, call Health Line Peel at 905-799-7700.